The Big PictureThe outlook for Canada through February 2017 (below) indicates pockets of exceptional water deficits in northern Manitoba, eastern Ontario, central Quebec, and southeastern Newfoundland. Deficits of lesser severity are forecast across the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia.

Forecast BreakdownAs indicated in the 3-month maps (below) for the same 12-month period, large pockets of exceptional deficits are forecast to persist through August in northern Manitoba, central Quebec, and southeastern Newfoundland. Deficits are forecast to emerge across northern Quebec, while surpluses – which in some areas may be exceptional – are forecast in southern Quebec. The extent of exceptional deficits in eastern Ontario is expected to shrink during this period; deficits may increase in extent in British Columbia.

From September through November water deficits are forecast to diminish in severity and extent across the country. However, moderate to severe deficits are forecast to persist in a wide stretch from British Columbia to northwestern Ontario with greatest severity in northern Manitoba and along rivers throughout the Prairie Provinces and the Rockies. Deficits in Newfoundland are expected to diminish considerably.

(It should be noted that forecast skill declines with longer lead times.)

Many analyses reported in ISciences-authored blog posts are based on data generated by the ISciences Water Security Indicator Model (WSIM). Other sources, if used, are referenced in footnotes accompanying individual posts. WSIM is a validated capability that produces monthly reports on current and forecast global freshwater surpluses and deficits with lead times of 1-9 months at 0.5°x0.5° resolution. This capability has been in continuous operation since April 2011 and has proven to provide reliable forecasts of emerging water security concerns in that time-frame. WSIM has the ability to assess the impacts of water anomalies on people, agriculture, and electricity generation. Detailed data, customized visualizations, and reports are available for purchase.

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